Recently purchased a 2005 xc 90 T6. I love the car the lack of ipod connectivity is horrible. I have looked into upgrading the stereo but seem to have hit a dead end. Because the stereo is modular the display isn't the whole head unit so to replace the head unit for one with ipod connectivity I would have to rip out everything display amp speakers etc.. Has anybody found an after market solution that integrates with the Volvo stereo?

Check the "car stereo,video,electronic" forum if you haven't already. There are a bunch of ipod topics, hopefully something will help.

I'm using a cheap FM transmitter that fits into the cigarrette socket and connects to my mp3 player's headphone socket. Works very well. Just don't have any steering controls for the mp3 player, but volume still works.

sq.

Did you try crutchfield? I am sure you did, but they have a harmon kardon unit that transmits with the FM band. And a new system that plugs in through the back of the unit. Supposed to be transparent. I think the model number is 581PA11HON, it is either a 5 or an S, I don't remember off hand. Good luck

Thanks for the post but that part ipod interface does not work with an 05 xc 90. Has anybody actually replaced the stereo in an 05 xc 90? Or what brand of fm transmitter would you recommend?

How much work, changing of components, and money do you want to spend?

try this unit, I have heard that it is the newest thing and that its signal is stronger this way.for an fm transmitter there is the Belkin Tunebase or Monster iPlay wireless 200. If you don't like the transmitters try the Belkin Cassette adaptor for the ipod of Griffins SmartDeck those are both cassette adaptors. I haven't seen any aftermarket head units for the xc90. Sorry and good luck. keep us updated on your progress, someone else might benefit from your experience also.

I just had a Dension Gateway 500 installed for my ipod. contact Shaun at SR Audio he is a friend of mine and when he told me he had a solution I told him I would try to let everyone i could know. you can get him at 908-437-0222 or sales@sraudioworks.com. he will install it for you or just ship you the parts

XC90NJ,
This is great news, I have been waiting for Volvo integration for awhile. Can you tell us more about it? Does it integrate at all with the head unit display? How are the controls?
Thanks!
Michael

This is what Shaun told me:

I went ahead and ordered from Shaun today. His price is good. Dension's North American distributor, AutoMobility, refers U.S. cusomters to Mass Electronics LTD to purchase the unit; they change $549 plus shipping for the same thing.

I am not one to do the full install work myself, so I asked Shaun who might be able to help. He recommended anyone who works with NavTV units, because they're familiar with the fiber optic connections required. I thought that sounded like helpful advice.

Shaun also said that this solution allows you to add satellite radio as well, if you want it. And it does exploit the Volvo's CD-Text capability to display track information on the radio screen.

I will keep you posted on my progress.